Do you believe in happily ever after? A smile, the sun shining down on you, the warmth of a hug, affection from your parents?

       Forget everything you know about "Happily Ever After". I re-write happily ever after, making it deformed and fun. This is no fairy tale; this is about a circus, an average circus like many others that existed at the time. The devil is watching you, and betting on your soul; you should perform with all of it; or you might come back with none of it. I hope you enjoy the show.

       The setting for this story is in the woods, a lovely bright surrounding of evergreen trees, sunshine, and wildlife. If you look carefully, there is a small pathway that leads into these woods. Somewhere along the line the path ends; the trees look dark and the sun has disappeared. If you take a right you will find a small group of trees that are dead and seeming to tip over. Turn left there and you will soon arrive at a circus.

       A very large tent resides, the colors faded from reds and yellows to shades of grey. Rips in the tent prove that many tried to escape. In fact, if you close your eyes, you can almost hear their cries; the sound of their footsteps beating on the ground pitter patter.
       You can hear their screams, begging for mercy, to no avail. This is a circus; this was a circus. Now it is shut down and abandoned. Life went on and the stories of these people's lives were forgotten,
                
                      except for one: a small boy and a simple deal.

Our story begins on December 18th, 1717, in a place far away, but just within our grasp. It is dimension where Satanism is the ruling religion and science has come a long way; in fact it is beyond what is considered modern. A time where a year in this world, is a minute at home.

        We go back to that circus, except something is different; the circus is just starting out. A sign hangs above the tent, "Visit The Greatest Freak Show in the World: Le Cirque des Monstres." It is here, finally after a whole year! A bright red and yellow tent is up, glowing with warmth and happiness; children are laughing. The ground shakes as these children run, their little feet making tiny thumps as they hit the green grass.

Children and adults watch the show; they smile at the clowns, awe at the jugglers and love the performance. Time flies like acrobats in the air, and soon it is time to depart. Children run off to meet their parents at the carriage. Good parents would get up and follow their children, however many did not.

         The children knew the path and they could find their way home, so the adults could stay for one final show. Quickly the adults take out their masks and put them on, they have been waiting a whole year for this; Le Cirque des Monstres true show.
    
       "Oh you're here! Tonight we will be showing the sad fate some people are burdened with." The Ring Master announces with an endearing and exciting tone.

       Children run out and play. They run and play and scream, acting like children should; but never a cry of joy escapes their lips, only ones of pain and despair. They run and climb.  Every once in a while, a child will fall, making a beautiful splat. They never had a chance. There is a pause, and then, a cheer erupts from the crowd.
       
       "Children, whom the world has abandoned, showing their deformed faces once more. Children who can barely carry themselves on the weak and useless limbs they were born with. They smile, never knowing the feel of a mother's embrace. Oh, how deformed they are." The Ring Master continues.

Children with scars, extra limbs and acid burns; children with extra faces run around. Many wore masks, covering their faces from the crowds. The groups are separated, as the masked children get slaughtered one by one, while those without perform.

        Yes, the children of the freak show are here, entertaining the adults. What is behind that mask? Why, it is a regular face. There is nothing wrong with the masked children. Except for one simple thing: they don't belong at the circus.

My love, if you were to remove that mask I am certain you would find a face identical to that of an audience member. It is their children on stage, throwing knives and falling to their deaths. However, the parents will never find out; if they do it will be too late; the circus runs on.  So, come on by, to see "Le Cirque des Monstres".